Serevi calls for support

Waisale Serevi at home in Nabua during one of his visits to Fiji. Picture: The Fiji Times File

FORMER national sevens captain and coach Waisale Serevi has called for the nation to continue supporting the Fiji 7s team despite their recent performance in the Wellington 7s tournament.

Fiji lost to Canada 19-28 in the Bowl final of the tournament and are placed fourth on the HSBC Sevens World Series points table with 51 points.

The national side arrived in Nevada in the US yesterday afternoon for the Las Vegas 7s tournament.

Serevi said this was perfect example of a time the national side needed the support of the nation to do better in the next event.

Speaking to Times Sport via his liaison officer in Fiji Pravin Chand, he said he always supported the Fiji 7s side whether they won or lost and wanted the nation to do the same.

"No matter where I am in the world, I always support the Fijian players, win or lose," Serevi said.

He said this weekend, he would pay a visit to the players in Las Vegas to provide moral support ahead of the tournament.

"I will visit the boys in Vegas as I have for the past two years to wish the team good luck."

Serevi said he understood when fans were let down by the loss of the team.

He said the players and the families were experiencing the same thing.

"Like all rugby fans, we are always disappointed when our team loses. It is a really hard time for the team right now. Think of how disappointed you are and imagine how the boys and their families back home feel.

"It is important as Fijians that we rally around our boys and support them during this time.

"If there is any time that the Fiji 7s team needs support, this is the time they need our support wherever you are.

"We at Serevi Rugby want to wish the team well for Las Vegas and God bless," Serevi said.

Chand, who also visited Serevi and the team for the past two years, echoed similar sentiments saying the support of the nation will motivate the team to do better in Las Vegas.

Fiji is drawn in Pool A with England, Scotland and Portugal for the Las Vegas 7s tournament.